AN impressive bowling performance has Dennington well placed in its Warrnambool and District Cricket Association semi-final against reigning premier Russells Creek. English import Chris Cheslin and Xavier Beks combined for eight wickets to restrict Creek to 134 at Jones Oval on Saturday. Captain Zeb McCarthy and Josh Barr will return to the crease at 1pm on Sunday with the Dogs 2-30 in their run chase. McCarthy said he was rapt with the Dogs' day one performance, highlighting Cheslin's 23-over, three-wicket spell and Xavier Beks' five-wicket haul. He now wants Dennington to make the most of it. "We were pretty happy to keep them to 130," he said. "The game is finely balanced but absolutely we're confident, we need just over 100 runs so the game is there for us to win. "We didn't have Terry Beks today but our bowling attack is as good as any in the league I think and we caught well today too. It was a tremendous effort." HEATING UP: Final four ready to make their mark Brierly-Christ Church hopes runs on the board will be enough against Woodford in the other semi-final at Dennington. Nathan Murphy (41), Mark Murphy (36) and Jason Mungean (36) contributed to the Bulls' 176-run total. The Eels were 1-16 at stumps with Luke Wines already back in the sheds. Bulls captain Mark Murphy rated the game "50-50 and not in anyone's favour". "Runs on the board might put the pressure on," he said. "If we bowl well and hold our catches it will create pressure. "(In a final) 150 can feel like 200, it's perceived pressure." Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.